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Duplex Outlet--how many circuit runs

3K views 21 replies 4 participants last post by  frenchelectrican 
#1 ·
Hi,

Working on my kitchen and would like to install an overhead light....

I have a 20 amp duplex outlet in the wall that is not the last one in the run
i.e. power comes in and then runs out to another outlet. (wires connected
to terminals on either side. The outlet has two circuit connections on the back where wired can be inserted also.

Can I tap off those connections and run a third set of wires for the light or
are only two connections allowed by code?

Thanks alot----
 
#20 ·
Hi,

Working on my kitchen and would like to install an overhead light....
Thanks alot----
Adding onto an existing lighting circuit is your best bet
Pulling power from a bathroom outlet circuit, even if by some chance there is a 2nd circuit is not a good idea

Pulling power from a bathroom lighting circuit that does not include outlets is allowed

I prefer not to add lights onto an outlet circuit
If a high power item is used the lights will dim

Sorry for the problem
What you are trying to do is very straight forward
Some people just confuse the matter
 
#6 ·
As mentioned, you aren't supposed to use the SABC, but it won't hurt anything if you do :wink:
Please do not post instructions that willingly violate the electrical code. The Article that clearly prohibits this is 210.52(B)(2)

(2) No Other Outlets.​
The two or more small-appliance
branch circuits speci
fied in 210.52(B)(1) shall have no
other outlets.

Exception No. 1: A receptacle installed solely for the electrical
supply to and support of an electric clock in any of
the rooms speci​
fied in 210.52(B)(1).
Exception No. 2: Receptacles installed to provide power
for supplemental equipment and lighting on gas-
fired

ranges, ovens, or counter-mounted cooking units.
 
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#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
At what point did you think I did not understand what you are referring to?

I was very clear when I said: "As mentioned, you aren't supposed to use the SABC"

CELUI-CI!!

Please do not post instructions that willingly violate the electrical code. The Article that clearly prohibits this is 210.52(B)(2)

(2) No Other Outlets.​
The two or more small-appliance
branch circuits speci
fied in 210.52(B)(1) shall have no
other outlets.

Exception No. 1: A receptacle installed solely for the electrical
supply to and support of an electric clock in any of
the rooms speci​
fied in 210.52(B)(1).
Exception No. 2: Receptacles installed to provide power
for supplemental equipment and lighting on gas-
fired

ranges, ovens, or counter-mounted cooking units.


Merci.
Marc
 
#10 ·
but it won't hurt anything if you do :wink:"
Maybe not, but that in no way allows for a clearly written rule to be ignored. We don't get to pick which parts of the code we choose to listen to or which is OK to ignore.
 
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#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
In this situation you would pigtail all the black wires together, wire nut them, then run a small pigtail to the receptacle, then do the same with the whites and grounds.

As mentioned, you aren't supposed to use the SABC
Lockeset.,

We can not do that in NEC code it is allready written clear on that if you want the NEC art number either myself or Jim Port will post it.

Merci.
Marc
 
#12 ·
So if it was a 15 amp circuit would it be okay to try and do what I want?
I can come off of one of those too.... not as easily....which appears to always be the case ;-) ....


Only thing I can think of at the moment, if the above is not code either, is run a new complete circuit from the panel just for the light (not fun) or just forget about it....


Ideas?
 
#15 ·
You're still not making any sense. What you are doing is making a mountain out of a mole hill.

handyd123, as 3 people have said already, it's against code to use that circuit. It's not a safety hazard, but just against code. If you'd like to adhere to the code, you will need to find another circuit.

Sorry, starting to get a little confused...
I want to keep it safe and within code....

So.... I CAN tap off of an outlet (that is not the last one in the run) and run
a third circuit off the back of the outlet) if it's 15 AMP) and ONLY run to an
overhead light fixture.?...
 
#16 ·
He could use a bathroom circuit provided it's not the 1 20A circuit required for said bathroom.
Lockeset let me make it little more clear on that one before someone get amonk on this one .,,

As long that bathroom do have seperarted light and receptale circuits that is not a issue as long that circuit do not deal with the bathroom itself { for everything in that room }

Merci.
Marc
 
#22 ·
If you have more question just holler one of us will steer you in correct way.

And yes Dave is correct you can use any light loaded circuits but just keep in your mind just don't use bathroom receptales circuit { the lighting circuit is just fine } or dinning room or garage circuits they are pretty much off limit for code issue.

Oh yeah that right I almost forgot just don't tap into furance circuit as well.

Anything else is fine.

Merci.
Marc
 
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